Hematopoiesis News Volume 4.35 | Sep 10 2013

SP/Drug Efflux Functionality of Hematopoietic Progenitors Is Controlled by Mesenchymal Niche through VLA-4/CD44 Axis
Scientists showed that Side Population (SP) functionality can be induced in lin^– cells from un-mobilized peripheral blood after nesting on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). This MSC-induced SP fraction contains hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells as demonstrated by their CD34⁺ cell percentage, quiescent status, in vitro proliferative and clonogenic potential, engraftment in NSG mice and stemness gene expression profile. [Leukemia] Abstract

CBFB-MYH11/RUNX1 Together with a Compendium of Hematopoietic Regulators, Chromatin Modifiers and Basal Transcription Factors Occupies Self-Renewal Genes in inv(16) Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Transcriptional analysis revealed that upon fusion protein knock down a small subset of CBFβ-MYH11 target genes show increased expression, confirming a role in transcriptional repression. However, the majority of CBFβ-MYH11 target genes, including genes implicated in hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal such as ID1, LMO1 and JAG1, are actively transcribed and repressed upon fusion protein knock down. [Leukemia] Abstract

The Control of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance, Self-Renewal and Differentiation by Mysm1-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation
Mysm1 is a recently identified histone H2A deubiquitinase with essential and intrinsic roles for maintaining functional hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). In this study, in addition to confirming this function of Mysm1, researchers provide more evidence for how Mysm1 controls HSC homeostasis using Mysm1-deficient mice. [Blood] Abstract

Symplekin, a Polyadenylation Factor, Prevents MOZ and MLL Activity on HOXA9 in Hematopoietic Cells
The authors have previously shown that monocytic leukemia zinc finger (MOZ) and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) cooperate to activate HOXA9 gene expression in hematopoietic stem/progenitors cells. To dissect the mechanism of action of this complex, they identified new proteins interacting with MOZ. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Cell Surface Notch1 Expression Identifies a Primitive Phenotype within CD34+CD38- Hematopoietic Cells
Investigators examined the expression of human cell surface Notch1 in cord blood CD34+ cells and the function of Notch in CD34+ cells in vitro. [Eur J Haematol] Abstract

Microfluidic Generation of Gradient Hydrogels to Modulate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Culture Environment
While multiple biomolecular signals and bone marrow cell populations have been proposed as key regulators of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate, new tools are required to probe their importance and mechanisms of action. A novel method based on a microfluidic mixing platform to create small volume, 3D hydrogel constructs containing overlapping patterns of cell and matrix constituents inspired by the HSC niche, is described. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization for Gene Therapy: Superior Mobilization by the Combination of Plerixafor plus GCSF in Patients with Thalassemia Major
Successful stem cell gene therapy requires high numbers of genetically-engineered hematopoietic stem cells collected using optimal mobilization strategies. Researchers focused on stem cell mobilization strategies for thalassemia and present the results of a plerixafor-based mobilization trial with emphasis on the remobilization with G-CSF+plerixafor in those patients who have previously failed mobilization. [Hum Gene Ther] Abstract

Pharmacokinetically-Targeted BU and Fludarabine as Conditioning before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Adults with ALL in First Remission
Researchers report a retrospective review of 65 patients with ALL in first remission receiving grafts from allogeneic donors after fludarabine 40 mg/m²/day for 4 days and i.v. BU targeted to a median daily area under the concentration-time curve below 6000 μmolesmin/L. [Bone Marrow Transpl] Abstract

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Bacteremia following Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in 720 Adult Patients
Researchers analyzed the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcome of bacteremia during the early period after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. [Ann Hematol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the hematopoiesis research field.

Gamida Cell Announces the Successful Transplantation of the First Patient in the Company’s Phase I/II Study of NiCord® in a Single Cord Configuration
Gamida Cell announced that the first patient has been successfully transplanted in the company’s second Phase I/II study of NiCord®, as an alternative, experimental treatment for blood cancers. The transplant took place at Duke University Medical Center. [Gamida Cell] Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

From our sponsor: Free mouse hematopoietic progenitors wallchart. Request your copy.

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the hematopoiesis research community.

Postdoctoral Opportunity in Hematopoietic Stem Cells (Albert Einstein College of Medicine [AECOM])

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hematopoietic and Malignant Stem Cells (Istanbul University Institute of Experimental Medicine)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoietic Stem Cells (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoiesis (Lund Stem Cell Center)

Postdoctoral Appointee – Cell Cycle Regulation in Tumor Stem Cells (Rutgers University, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.